Blog Archives

Writing Assignment: At a Hotel (Solution)

Posted on 2012/05/05
by
hotel pool

Click for larger image

1.    Where was this picture taken?
This picture was taken by a swimming pool.

2.    What are the people in the picture doing?
The people in the picture are enjoying themselves at the pool, swimming.

3.    What kind of building do you see in the picture?
The building that we see in the picture is a hotel (motel).

4.    What do people usually do at that type of building?
People usually stay at a hotel while they are traveling, or on vacation.

5.    How long can you stay at a hotel?
You can stay at a hotel for a night, or for several nights.

6.    What is it called when you register at a hotel?
When you register at a hotel, that is called “checking in.”  When you are done and you are going to leave, you must “check out.”

7.    Where do you go to check in at a hotel?
To check in at a hotel, you must go to the front desk.

8.    Where is the front desk located?
The front desk is located in the lobby of the hotel.

9.    If you need help with your luggage, who can help you?
If you need help with your luggage, you can ask the bellhop to assist you.

10.    What kind of amenities does a hotel often have?
Common amenities at a hotel are a pool, exercise room, complimentary breakfast, and a microwave and mini-fridge in the room.

11.    Where can you go if you want to relax at a hotel?
If you want to relax at a hotel, you can lounge at the pool to unwind.

12.    Where can you go if you want to get some exercise at a hotel?
If you want to get some exercise at a hotel, you can go to the exercise room.

13.    Whom do you call if you want to have food delivered to your room?
If you want to have food delivered to your room, you can order room service.

14.    What can you do if you want to make sure you will not oversleep in the morning?
If you want to make sure you will not oversleep in the morning, you can contact the front desk and ask them for a wake-up call.

15.    What can you do if you want to sleep in and don’t want housekeeping to come in?
If you want to sleep in and not be disturbed by housekeeping, you can put a “do not disturb” sign on the outside of the door.

16.    What can you do if you forget shampoo, toothpaste, or other such items?
If you forget shampoo, toothpaste, or other toiletries, you can contact the front desk or concierge.

17.    What other furniture might a hotel room have, besides a bed?
Other furniture that a hotel room might have could be a sofa, a wardrobe, a dresser, and a table and chairs.

18.    What can you do if you need an extra bed, or perhaps a bed for a baby?
If you need an extra bed, you can request a rollaway bed.  If you need a bed for a baby, you can request a crib.

19.    If you have some valuables, what can you do to keep them safe?
If you have some valuables, you can ask to put them in the hotel safe.  Also, some rooms have a small room safe that you can use.

20.    Can you take your pet to a hotel?
Some hotels allow pets and others do not.  So if you want to travel with your pet, you should check in advance with the hotel regarding their pet policy.

Paragraph:  At a Hotel

When you stay at a hotel, the first thing you have to do is check in.  You go to the front desk and inquire if there are any vacancies, or available rooms.  Of course, if you made a reservation, then you know that a room is waiting for you.  The clerk at the front desk will ask you to fill out a form with your name and address, and oftentimes your license plate number, if you are driving a car.  After check-in, the clerk will give you a room key and explain where your room is, how to get there, where’s the best place to park, and so on.  The clerk will also inform you about breakfast hours, if a complimentary breakfast is included with your stay.

It is common for hotel rooms to have some extras, like a sofa, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker.  This is very convenient, as it makes it easier to relax and unwind at the hotel if you can kick back and eat a microwave dinner while watching TV, instead of having to go out to eat at a restaurant or something.  You can also relax by taking a dip in the hotel pool, working up a good sweat in the exercise room, or taking a hot bath.

Many hotel rooms are also equipped with an alarm clock, so you don’t have to worry if you forgot your travel alarm.  If you think you are likely to oversleep, or you are concerned about not getting up in time, you can always call the front desk and request a wake-up call.  On the other hand, if you are on vacation and have the luxury of sleeping in, you can put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.  That way, you won’t be awakened by housecleaning the next morning, and whenever you are ready, you can put up a note letting the maid know that it’s now okay to clean the room.

When your hotel stay is over, you’ll have to check out.  Usually, check-out time is ten or eleven o’clock in the morning, so you’ll want to make sure that you are up in time for that, and that you get a chance to check your room to make sure you don’t accidentally leave anything behind.  Some people leave a tip for the housecleaning crew, but this is not necessary.  Checking out is rather easy – you just have to return the room key, and that’s it.  Then you can be on your way, wherever your next destination may happen to be.

Google

Leave a Reply ?

Grammar Basics: Unit 40 – It… (Solution)

Posted on 2012/05/04
by

Exercise.  Complete the sentences with either it’s/it is or is it.

Example:

________ only five degrees outside.  ==> It’s only five degrees outside.

1.    It is so quiet in the classroom that you could hear a pin drop.
2.    Is it time to leave for the airport yet?
3.    It’s rare to get this much snow in November.
4.    Is it safe to enter the room now?
5.    Is it easy to bake cookies?
6.    The sign says it’s 93 miles to the next gas station.
7.    I don’t know why it’s so difficult for Jack to understand algebra.
8.    Is it fair that you get three cookies, and I get none?
9.    It’s a two-hour hike up the mountain to the temple.
10.    Is it Friday already?  This week sure went by fast.

Exercise.  Make questions with the given information, using How far…?

Example:

the hotel / the airport ==> How far is it from the hotel to the airport?

1.    How far is it from Boston to New York?
2.    How far is it from here to the library?
3.    How far is it from the hostel to the market?
4.    How far is it from the train station to the bus station?
5.    How far is it from your house to the river?

Exercise.  Complete the sentences, choosing an appropriate word or phrase from the lists.

Example:

It’s (easy / stupid / silly) to (get up early / eat your vegetables / wash your clothes) when you’ve had enough sleep.  ==> It’s easy to get up early when you’ve had enough sleep.

1.    It’s difficult to make four goals in a row.
2.    I don’t like these new rules.  It’s stupid to make us fill out fifteen forms just to import paper clips.
3.    Bill and Bob are twins.  It’s impossible to tell them apart if they wear the same clothes.
4.    It’s nice to stay at a decent hotel for a change.
5.    It’s rare to spot an opossum in broad daylight.
6.    Leave your cigarette in the car.  It’s dangerous to pump gas while smoking.
7.    It’s interesting to look at all the different people you find in an airport.
8.    What was the travel agent thinking?  It’s crazy to drive from Berlin to Rome in one day.
9.    It’s sad to see so much poverty and suffering in the world.
10.    It’s good to come home after a long trip, isn’t it?

Google

Leave a Reply ?

Grammar Basics: Unit 39 – There was / were, There has / have been, There will be (Solution)

Posted on 2012/05/02
by

Exercises.  Complete the sentences using there + is / are / was / were / has been / have been / will be.

Example:

__________ some nice apples at Tom’s Apple Orchard this year.  ==> There are some nice apples at Tom’s Apple Orchard this year.

1.    There have been an unusual number of bees this summer.
2.    There are DVDs and CDs available for checkout at the library.
3.    Luckily, there was one vacancy left at the Sleepy Hollow Motel.
4.    There will be roll call early tomorrow morning, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
5.    There were 22 boys and 20 girls in my graduating class.
6.    There is nothing as good as Mom’s cooking.
7.    The Farmer’s Almanac says there will be a cold winter next year.
8.    There was a black bear in the back yard when I got up this morning.
9.    Guess what?  There has been an earthquake in California.
10.    There’s no use crying over spilled milk.

Exercises.  Complete the sentence using there + is / are / was / were / has been / have been / will be, and make the sentences negative.

Example:

I looked high and low, but __________ any keys on the desk.  ==> I looked high and low, but there weren’t any keys on the desk.

1.    Are you sure there wasn’t any milk left in the fridge?
2.    Goldilocks went into the cabin, but there wasn’t a soul around.
3.    There haven’t been any customers all day.
4.    There weren’t that many people at the nightclub last night.
5.    There aren’t any pencils in my pencil cup.  Please go to the supply room and get me a new pack.
6.    I checked in the supply cabinet, but there weren’t any pencils.
7.    Wasn’t there even one pack left?  I thought I had ordered some.
8.    No, there haven’t been any pencils in the supply cabinet for a whole month.
9.    You’d better lock your desk, then, when you leave for the night.  Apparently there’s been a pencil thief here lately.
10.    Whoever’s been taking the pencils had better come clean, or there will be trouble in River City!

Google

Leave a Reply ?

Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 12 (solution)

Posted on 2012/04/30
by

crossword puzzle solution

Google

Comments Off on Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 12 (solution)

Writing Assignment: On a Bus (Solution)

Posted on 2012/04/28
by
public transportation

Click for larger image

1.    Where is this picture taken?
This picture is taken at a bus stop.

2.    What are the people in the picture doing?
Two of the people in the picture are getting on the bus.  One person is getting off the bus.

3.    Is this a city bus, or a long-distance bus?
This is a city bus.

4.    Where might the people be going?
The people might be going to work or school.

5.    What is the first thing you have to do when you get on the bus?
When you get on the bus, the first thing that you have to do is pay the fare.

6.    What are the different ways that the fare can be paid?
The fare can be paid with cash.  In many buses, you can also pay by swiping a card that has credit available on it.  Another option is to buy a pass, especially if you use the bus every day.

7.    If you pay with cash, can you get change back if you have big bills?
Some buses can give you change back if you pay with big bills.  Other buses will accept only exact change for cash fares.  This means that they are unable to give you change back if you use bills that are bigger than the fare.

8.    What is a bus pass?
A bus pass is special ticket that allows you unlimited rides within a certain time frame, like a monthly pass, a weekly pass, etc.

9.    What kind of discounts are available for bus fares?
Many bus companies have various discounts available:  student discounts, senior citizen discounts, or handicapped discounts.  If you don’t get a discount, you have to pay full fare.

10.    Where can you sit on the bus?
On the bus you can sit in a seat.  The seat may be in the front of the bus, at the back of the bus, or in the middle.

11.    What can you do if there are no more seats on the bus?
If there are no more seats on the bus, you will have to stand.  Holding on to a strap will make it easier for you to ride the bus standing.

12.    What can you do if you have to take a bike on the bus?
If you have to take a bike on the bus, some buses will let you put the bus in the back by the rear door.  Other buses have a bike rack (on the front of the bus, for example) where you can put the bike.

13.    What can you do if you have to take a baby stroller or baby carriage on the bus?
If you have to take a baby stroller or baby carriage on the bus, you can take it on board at the rear door, where there is more space.

14.    How can you tell which bus you should get on?
You can tell which bus you should get on by reading the route sign at the front of the bus.

15.    How can you tell when your bus is coming?
You can tell when your bus is coming by reading the bus schedule.

16.    What happens if you are late for your bus?
If you are late, you will have to run to catch the bus.  Otherwise, you will miss your bus.

17.    How can you notify the driver that you want to get off at the next stop?
If you want to get off at the next stop, you can let the bus driver know by pulling the communication cord.  This notifies the bus driver that someone wants to get off at the next stop.

18.    What kind of routes do city buses have?
City buses have routes that go all over the city.  They stop at many different places.

19.    What kind of routes do long-distance buses have?
Long-distance buses have buses that travel from city to city.  They usually do not stop at many different places within a city, but they might make several stops along the route between cities.

20.    How is a long-distance bus different from a city bus?
City buses are plainer than long-distance buses.  They have seats that are more utilitarian, and their overhead shelves hold more, but they don’t have a separate space for storing luggage.  They also have a front door and a rear door.  Long-distance buses are usually coach buses, so they are more comfortable, with nicer seats, curtains, individual air controls and lights, and a luggage area under the bus.  Coach buses have only a front door, and not a rear door.

Paragraph:  Going for a bus ride

One time I had to travel from one city to another.  The two cities were about 575 km apart, but I did not have a car.  So I had to take the train part of the way (about 450 km), and a bus the rest of the way (about 125 km).  After I got off the train, I walked over to the bus and had the driver put my luggage in the storage compartment under the bus.  I gave the driver my ticket, and got on board the bus.  There were no assigned seats, so I could pick whatever seat I wanted.  I found a seat in the middle of the bus, and sat down by the window.  I was traveling for Christmas vacation, so I also had some Christmas presents in a carry-on bag, which I did not want to put in the luggage compartment.  I put the Christmas presents on the seat next to me.  The seats were comfortable.  They had a foot rest, and they could recline, so I was set for the long bus ride.  We traveled down narrow country roads that wound along farms and fjords, and hugged mountains.  Halfway through the bus ride I had to transfer to another bus to get to my destination.  Even though the bus was comfortable, it was nice to get up and stretch my legs before continuing on the final leg of my journey.  At long last, the bus pulled into the terminal, bringing me home for the holidays.

Google

Comments Off on Writing Assignment: On a Bus (Solution)

Grammar Basics: Unit 38 – There is / There are (Solution)

Posted on 2012/04/27
by

Exercise.  Look at the picture below.  Write sentences about this picture using “There is/are…” or “There isn’t/aren’t…”  in response to the prompts.

Example:

Any swings?  ==> There are swings.

1.    There are a lot of people.
2.    There isn’t a food stand.
3.    There isn’t a horse.
4.    There is a roller coaster.
5.    There are trees.
6.    There aren’t any benches.
7.    There is a lamp post.
8.    There is a trash can.
9.    There are stairs.
10.    There isn’t an elevator.

Exercise.  Complete the following sentences with there’s / is there / it’s / is it.

Example:

“________ a car with its lights on.”  “________ a red Ford?” ==> “There’s a car with its lights on.”  “Is it a red Ford?”

1.    “There’s a nice hotel in Flagstaff.”  “Is it close to the airport?”
2.    “Is there a pool at the hotel?”  “Yes, it’s an outdoor pool.”
3.    We don’t want to rent that apartment.  It’s too small.
4.    “Is there an English class for beginners on Monday nights?”  “Yes, but it’s full.  The class on Tuesday is open, though.”
5.    I like that restaurant by the mall.  It’s got the best pizza I’ve ever tasted.
6.    “There’s a spot on your shirt.”  “I’ve brushed it off.  Is it gone now?”
7.    I haven’t heard of that movie.  Is it good?
8.    “Is there a bank near the hotel?”  “Yes, it’s just two blocks away.”
9.    “There’s a wallet in lost and found.”  “Is it brown?”
10.     This ice cream is not very good.  It’s too sweet.

Google

Comments Off on Grammar Basics: Unit 38 – There is / There are (Solution)

Grammar Basics: Unit 37 – Do this…, Don’t do that…, Let’s do… (Solution)

Posted on 2012/04/25
by

Exercise.  Choose the correct verb and complete the following sentences.  Make them commands.

Example: 

________ the seeds 2 inches apart. (plant) ==> Plant the seeds 2 inches apart.

1.    Sit next to me.
2.    Write a letter to Aunt Edna.
3.    Take two pills after every meal.
4.    Please sign on the dotted line.
5.    Read the book and write a report on it for next Monday.
6.    Please dry the dishes and put them away.
7.    Say goodbye to Mrs. Wirth.
8.    Slice the vegetables and cook them in boiling water for three minutes.
9.    Bring a sack lunch for the field trip tomorrow.
10.    Wash your face and brush your teeth before you go to bed.

 

Exercise.  For each of the following sentences, suggest an alternative activity using the phrase “No, let’s…”

Example: 

Do you want to watch the late night movie?  (go to bed) ==> No, let’s go to bed.

1.    Do you want to go camping this year?  No, let’s stay at a resort.
2.    Do you want to leave now?  No, let’s wait a while.
3.    Shall we have Chinese for dinner?  No, let’s have Italian.
4.    Should we tell Bob someone dented his car?  No, let’s mind our own business.
5.    Would you like to play a game?  No, let’s watch a movie.

Exercise.  Answer each of the following sentences with either “No, don’t…” or “No, let’s not…”

Example: 

Should I turn up the heat? ==> No, don’t turn up the heat.

1.    Shall I call for a doctor?  No, don’t call for a doctor.
2.    Should we leave yet?  No, let’s not leave yet.
3.    Should we have a big party for Tom’s birthday?  No, let’s not have a big party.
4.    Should I make you a nice, hot cup of coffee?  No, don’t make me a cup of coffee.
5.    Should I tell Mr. Smith you broke his window?   No, don’t tell Mr. Smith.
6.    Shall we go for a walk?  No, let’s not go for a walk.
7.    Should we take the train?  No, let’s not take the train.
8.    Should I put this picture in the letter to your mother?  No, don’t put that picture in the letter.
9.    Shall I shine your shoes, sir?  No, don’t shine my shoes.
10.    Should we give Sally a puppy for Christmas?  No, let’s not give Sally a puppy.

Google

Comments Off on Grammar Basics: Unit 37 – Do this…, Don’t do that…, Let’s do… (Solution)

Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 11 (solution)

Posted on 2012/04/23
by

crossword puzzle solution

Google

Comments Off on Crossword – Basic Vocabulary 11 (solution)

Writing Assignment: At a Birthday Party (Solution)

Posted on 2012/04/21
by

Birthday Fun

1.    Where was this picture taken?
This picture was taken at a birthday party.

2.    What is on the table?
On the table is a tablecloth, along with paper plates, paper cups, napkins, party favors, noisemakers, candy, and a cake.

3.    How is the table decorated?
The table is decorated with a colorful tablecloth and festive paper plates and paper cups.

4.    How is the cake decorated?
The cake is decorated with pink and white frosting, sprinkles, and birthday candles.

5.    How would the room be decorated for a typical birthday party?
For a typical birthday party, the room would be decorated with balloons, streamers, and confetti.

6.    What is the girl at the end of the table doing?
The girl at the end of the table is blowing out the birthday candles.

7.    What song is usually sung before the birthday child blows out the candles?
Before the birthday child blows out the candles, the song “Happy Birthday” is typically sung to the birthday child.

8.    Which child is the birthday child?
The child at the end of the table blowing out the candles is the birthday child.

9.    What are the other children doing?
The other children are watching the birthday child blow out the candles, to see if she blows all the candles out in one breath.

10.    What do the children have on their heads?
The children are wearing party hats.

11.    What might children eat and drink at a birthday party?
Children might eat cake and ice cream at a birthday party, and they might have punch to drink.

12.    What else might children do at a birthday party, besides eating?
Other things that children typically do at a birthday party are singing, playing games, and opening presents, for the birthday child.

13.    What kind of games might children play at a birthday party?
There are many different kinds of games that children might play at a birthday party, but the most common ones are “pin the tail on the donkey,” “musical chairs,” and “clothespin drop.”

14.    What else might children play with at a birthday party?
The children might play with toys, balloons, or party favors at a birthday party.

15.    What do the children bring for the birthday child?
The children each bring a birthday present for the birthday child.

16.    What usually accompanies the birthday present?
A birthday card usually accompanies the birthday present.

17.    How is a birthday present typically decorated?
A birthday present is typically decorated with wrapping paper, and perhaps ribbons or a bow.

18.    What is the polite way for the birthday child to thank the other children for the birthday presents?
The birthday child can thank the other children in person for the presents, but it is considered polite to also send a written thank-you note acknowledging the present.

19.    How does the birthday child ask others to come to his birthday party?
The birthday child asks the other children to come to his birthday party by sending them an invitation.

20.    How does the birthday child know how many children are going to come to the party?
The birthday child knows how many children are coming to the party by requesting them to RSVP, or respond to the invitation to let the host of the party know whether or not they are coming.

Paragraph:  At a Birthday Party

At our house we had a birthday party.  There was much to do to prepare for the party.  My daughter thought about whom she wanted to invite to her party, and then we sent out invitations.  We bought some decorations, and decorated the room with streamers, balloons, and colorful paper cups and plates.  I baked a cake and decorated it with pink frosting, sprinkles, and seven colorful candles.  When it was party time, the children all came, ready for some birthday fun.  Each child got a party hat, party favors, and a noise maker.  We played pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, and drop the clothespin in the bottle.  After the games, it was time to eat.  The children sat down at the table, and I lit the candles.  The children all sang “Happy Birthday” to my daughter, and after making a wish, she blew out all the candles on her cake.  Everybody had cake and ice cream to eat, and punch to drink.  After everyone was done eating, it was time for the birthday child to open presents.  There were dolls and stuffed toys and crayons and art supplies, and all kinds of things that little girls enjoy.  The children all played with the various toys until the party was over.  Then their mothers came to pick them up and take them home.  Everybody had a wonderful time.

Google

Comments Off on Writing Assignment: At a Birthday Party (Solution)

Grammar Basics: Unit 36 – I’d rather… (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/04/20
by

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

drink like

Would you _______ some coffee, or do you prefer _______ tea? ==> Would you like some coffee, or do you prefer to drink tea?

1.    Max would rather start university next fall.
2.    Sally would prefer to take an evening class, if possible.
3.    I’d rather watch paint dry than see that new movie – I heard it’s really boring.
4.    Would you prefer to eat chocolate ice cream or vanilla?
5.    I’d rather dry the dishes than wash them. // I’d rather wash the dishes than dry them.
6.    Would you rather have Chinese food, or Italian?
7.    I’d prefer to eat Italian food.
8.    That model car comes in several colors – which one would you rather have?
9.    I’d prefer to sit alone, thank you.
10.    They would rather go to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  Make the sentence negative.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

go

I’d rather _______ to the wedding. ==> I’d rather not go to the wedding.

1.    I’d prefer not to work on weekends.
2.    I would rather not sleep in the same room as Uncle Tim – he snores!
3.    I would rather not spend any more money than I have to.
4.    Tom would rather not live next to the Martins.
5.    I’d prefer not to use rye bread for my sandwich.
6.    I’d rather not lie down in the sun.
7.    I’d rather not meet Jack for lunch.
8.    I’d prefer not to call Mary and ask her for a date.
9.    I’d rather not invite Sam to the party.
10.    We’d prefer not to sleep in a hotel room that is right next to the expressway.

Google

Comments Off on Grammar Basics: Unit 36 – I’d rather… (Solutions)